: Forget the whiz kids, for most students mathematics is a nightmare. But, here is a school that is showing the fun route to engaging with the subject.
Skipping the routine chalk and talk method of teaching, a Government primary school has introduced an activity-oriented approach to learning mathematics -- an innovative method connecting theory and practice.
The Savarirayalu Nayakkar Government Primary School has designed the class room in a colourful way to attract children to learn the mathematics in much easier way. They created a math lab with available materials and turned a small size class room into a centre of activity to several children. The wall of the lab is filled with fraction cut-outs. Children are allowed to play with Napier Scale, Tangram Puzzle, Geo-Board, Abacus boards and several manipulative materials kept on wooden benches.
Children also tinker with the learning materials for basic operation of mathematics - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and diversion.
Joyful environment
R.Gomathy, a primary school teacher who is instrumental in setting the lab, says, “It is a totally joyful environment for children to learn the mathematics. The concept was introduced a year ago when the School Education asked all schools to set up science expos at their respective premises. We created the math lab with available materials lying in the school and made it colourful.”
This interactive approach and pedagogy method of using math lab has reduced fear among students in learning of mathematics.
It also makes it easier for teacher to teach a concept in a simple way.
C. Maran, resource person of Azim Premji Foundation said , “ This math lab offers an alternative learning experience and encourages creativity in the class room where teacher and student connect theory and practice in math class.
Student involvement has increased in learning process of mathematics which we could see this year after this math lab setting.”
When Ms. Gomathy, a teacher, shared the news about the mathlab with others in the area, a lot of people, including a Deputy Inspector of Schools and representatives of other educational institutions, undertook visits to the Savarirayalu Nayakkar Government Primary School to see first hand the joyful way in which students were learning.
Most of the students here in the school are from economically backward sections and deprived class in society. R.Sandarvadany, head mistress of the school, said, “We have also introduced other methods to make government school more attractive for students to join them.”
